Mason Holgate scored for West Brom against Norwich City [Credit: Imago]

Mason Holgate slammed as West Brom fans react to 'Shocking' Norwich City display

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on:

23 Nov 2024, 1:23 pm

West Brom fans took aim at Mason Holgate's performance despite him scoring in their 2-2 draw with Norwich on Saturday.

The on-loan Everton defender opened the scoring at The Hawthorns with a clever back-heeled flick but was caught ball-watching at the back as Norwich equalised nine minutes later.

Holgate was again left chasing shadows as Borja Sainz slalomed through the Albion defence to force an own-goal from Torbjorn Heggem, with Josh Maja popping up moments after the restart to make it 2-2.

Mason Holgate torn to pieces after West Brom draw

While Baggies fans were quick to praise Holgate's quick-thinking and ingenuity when he skilfully turned home the excellent Karlan Grant's cross, his defending for the rest of the match left a lot to be desired.

After Emiliano Marcondes snuck in between him and Darnell Furlong to slide home the equaliser, fans could see that Holgate was at fault, with one saying his lack of awareness was "dreadful".

Further reaction to the Canaries' first goal didn't let up on Holgate, with supporters questioning exactly what he was doing when Marcondes ghosted in behind him.

Another yearned for the return of captain Kyle Bartley in central defence, calling his stand-in Holgate "shocking", while further claims said the sooner Albion; "get a proper centre-half back, the better".

Holgate wasn't the only individual singled out for criticism, with the Jamaica International and referee Lewis Smith called "woeful" and "abysmal" following their respective displays.

Holgate has to try to make a play on that ball. He lets it come right past him. Dreadful. #WBA
— Jeremy Peterman𓅪 (@SportsGuyJeremy) November 23, 2024

What’s Holgate doing?
— AJ (@AJ981204) November 23, 2024

Holgate is awful at defending, quicker we get a proper centrehalf back the better #wba
— JD WBA 𓅪 (@JDWBA2) November 23, 2024

As another supporter listed their player ratings, one replied with a damning statement towards Holgate, saying that due to his ball watching, you can see why he hasn't made it.

Making it as a Championship footballer is no mean feat, but unless Holgate's defensive side of the game improves, the second tier is exactly where he, and Carlos Corberan's Baggies, are set to stay.

In other West Brom news, an Albion outcast is ready to tell Carlos Corberan he wants to be a first-choice at player The Hawthorns.

For more West Brom news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

West Bromwich Albion

Mason Holgate

Norwich